Distinctive Features of Bipolar Disorder

•    Bipolar disease is different from ordinary mood swings. In Bipolar disorder, extreme mood swings are observed which range from a person becoming very depressed to feeling creative and hyperactive (mania).
•    Sometimes, the symptoms of both depression and mania may occur simultaneously in a ‘mixed state’.
•    Mood extremes usually occur in patterns and cycles. In the interim period, the person may be able to carry on a normal life and function normally.
•    Severe depression can be associated with thoughts of suicide and suicide attempts.
•    Extreme mania may result in homicidal acts, aggressive behavior, risk taking and potentially dangerous behavior.